Trezor Start — Secure Your Crypto
A clear, practical start page to guide you through setting up your Trezor hardware wallet, securing your recovery, and using your device with confidence.
This page is written as a friendly, practical guide. It explains the core ideas you need to know when you begin with a hardware wallet, the steps to set it up safely, and best practices that reduce risk. Read through once, then follow the steps on your device.
A hardware wallet like Trezor stores your private keys offline on a physical device. It signs transactions inside the device so the private keys never leave it. That design keeps your funds protected from malware or hackers on your computer. Think of the hardware wallet as a locked vault that you control — the keys stay inside while you use the device to approve sending funds.
When you receive a new hardware wallet, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence and verify seals. Only use a device that appears intact and comes from a trusted source. If the packaging looks opened, contact the seller before connecting the device. Power on the Trezor only after you are ready to set it up and create a secure recovery.
Begin setup by following the official on-device prompts. The device will generate a recovery phrase — a sequence of words that represents your private key backup — and display it on the device screen. Write the words down in the exact order on the supplied recovery card or another secure medium. Never store your recovery phrase digitally (no photos, screenshots, cloud storage, or text files). Keep it offline and in a physically secure place.
Set a strong PIN on the device. The PIN protects against casual physical access attempts. You may also use an optional passphrase — an extra word or sentence combined with the recovery phrase to create a separate wallet. A passphrase increases security but must be remembered exactly; losing it makes funds inaccessible even if you have the recovery words. Use passphrases only if you understand the trade-offs.
Use only official software and web interfaces recommended by the wallet maker. Install firmware updates when available, but always verify update prompts on the device screen. Official updates fix security issues and improve compatibility. Avoid third-party tools unless they are widely recognized and audited by the community.
When sending funds, confirm recipient addresses on the device screen, not just on your computer. Malware can alter the address shown in your desktop wallet, but it cannot change the address displayed on the hardware device when it asks for confirmation. Always verify the full address and the amount on the device before approving a transaction.
Consider storing your recovery phrase in multiple physically separated locations (for example, a safe deposit box and a home safe) to protect against theft, fire, or loss. If you choose to split the phrase into parts, understand the risks and use established techniques such as Shamir Backup only if you are comfortable with those methods. Label backups clearly and ensure trusted family or representatives know how to locate them in case of emergency.
Practice good digital hygiene: keep your computer free from malware, use a strong password manager for other accounts, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and avoid reusing passwords. Regularly review your holdings and device firmware status, and keep the physical device stored securely when not in use.
If anything about the device or setup seems unusual, stop and ask for help from official support channels or trusted documentation. Do not rely on random online advice that asks for your recovery phrase or private keys. If you suspect your recovery has been compromised, move funds to a newly created wallet as soon as possible using a secure device.